IMRIE reckons the lack of Edinburgh clubs and Rangers can only be good news for Accies' survival hopes.

DOUGIE IMRIE believes newboys Hamilton Accies can capitalise fully on the absence of Rangers, Hearts and Hibs from the Premiership.

The 30-year-old reckons that with the big three missing from the picture Accies can firmly establish themselves as top flight regulars for the forseeable future.

Imrie enjoyed a two-year spell at New Douglas Park between 2010 and 2012 but was relegated with Billy Reid’s men in 2011 after just a season in the Premiership.

He’s now back at Accies after spells at St Mirren and Morton and was paraded alongside fellow new signings keeper Michael McGovern, Danny Redmond and Kieran MacDonald yesterday.

Imrie said: “This season will be so different in the Premiership. I can’t believe there’s no Rangers, Hearts or Hibs in the top flight. They will be a huge miss but it gives us the chance to stay up for a few seasons.

“If you can consolidate your position for a few seasons then it becomes an advantage over the teams coming up and can help you build a stronger squad.

“I can’t wait to get back into it. This is where I played my best football and one of the main reasons I wanted to come back.”

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